A bumper field will assemble at the 2m 56y start for the 2026 Northumberland Plate on Saturday afternoon. Off at 3.15pm at Newcastle, it’s a race that is one of the handicap highlights of the season on the all-weather.

A hugely competitive line-up will take their chance, with plenty fancying their chances of etching their name on the illustrious roll of honour. Steve Chambers previews the event and picks out a 16/1 shot that can run his rivals ragged at the north east venue.

2026 Northumberland Plate Runners 

Hugely progressive last season for Richard Hughes, Circus Of Rome is a hot favourite to land victory in the Northumberland Plate. Last seen finishing down the field in a competitive Sandown handicap, the four-year-old will need to improve on that effort, but with winning form at Newcastle in the Racing League he is entitled to be a leading contender.

Spirit Mixer won the race 12 months ago for Andrew Balding and is back to try and retain his crown. However, a 6lbs higher mark will mean he has it all to do. Roger Varian’s Ride Of Thunder only has one win in eight races, but has been running well of late. He followed up a second placed finish at Haydock with a third at Hamilton and is one open to more improvement.

Wins at Newcastle and Musselburgh saw Team Player head into the Chester Cup as a fancied runner. He could only finish fifth that day, but the Ewan Whillans-trained raider is one that could bounce back. Brian Ellison won this race two years ago and he will saddle Saint Etienne, whilst the likes of Zanndabad, Moon Over Miami and Prydwen add more depth to the contest.

2026 Northumberland Plate Racecard

Northumberland Plate Trends 

Check out the key Northumberland Plate ahead of Saturday’s handicap renewal…

• 3 of the last 10 winners have been favourite
• 4 of the last 10 winners have carried 9st 4lbs or more to victory
• 3 of the last 10 winners have been rated more than 100
• 6 of the last 10 winners have been aged 6 or older

2026 Northumberland Plate Tips 

Circus Of Rome is very short for such a competitive contest, so is worth taking on. One that could run a huge race is the top-weighted Prydwen, who is more than capable of landing this prize, if he’s at his best. Second in the Easter Plate marathon contest two starts ago, George Scott’s charge then stormed to victory at Ripon. He’s 5lbs higher here, but does line up in superb form and he can bound to victory. Spirit Mixer showed his class last year and can make a bold bid for back-to-back wins, whilst Team Player can complete the 1-2-3.

FAQ

When and where is the Northumberland Plate run?

The Northumberland Plate will take place at Newcastle racecourse on Saturday 27th June, 2026 at 3.15pm.

How can I watch the Northumberland Plate on Saturday?

The Northumberland Plate is live on ITV at 3.15pm on Saturday afternoon.

When were the Northumberland Plate tips published?

The tips for the Northumberland Plate were published at 10.15am on Friday 25th June.

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